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Characteristics of an epic hero in beowulf
Beowulf and the hero's journey
Characteristics of an epic hero in beowulf
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Beowulf, an Epic Example Beowulf is an example of an epic poem. Beowulf is an Old English poem and it is about a hero that travels a long distance just to prove his strength and ability. He goes against impossible odds to defeat supernatural creatures to save the town of Herot. Beowulf has the outstanding qualities of a hero, he has the ability to do things and the courage to get it done. Knowing the background and the characteristics of this poem it is easy to establish that it is entirely an epic poem. One heroic characteristic he show is his honor. Beowulf hears about the monster or supernatural being and decides to travel to Herot far away. When Beowulf decided to do this it wasn’t for the money it was just to help the Geats. Beowulf felt
While fighting the Dragon Beowulf shows feats of strength and courage that define him as a hero. The classical hero displays a special quality that separates him from the rest of
Beowulf is an epic poem that explores many themes and motifs within the Anglo-Saxon society. The Author, who remains anonymous, composed the epic around 1000 A.D. The literature focuses mainly on a Scandinavian warrior named Beowulf, who comes to the aid of Herot, a small town ran by King Hrothgar. Beowulf arises to rid the town of evil forces, such as the demon monster Grendel, and his savage mother who seeks revenge for the death of her son. As he ages, Beowulf presumes his title as king of Geatland, still eager to protect his loyal followers from danger. Though he is viewed as a godly force, the situations and the behaviors that Beowulf expressed, sometimes deviate how the Anglo-Saxons viewed his character. From this, the theme of "Good vs. Evil", which can be easily depicted in the literature piece, was constantly contradicted throughout the entire poem.
Scyld Scefing often deprived his enemies, many tribes of men, of their mead-benches. He terrified his foes; yet he, as a boy, had been found a waif; fate made amends for that. He prospered under heaven, won praise and honor, until the men of every neighboring tribe, across the whale’s way, were obliged to obey him and pay him tribute. He was a noble king! (BEO 4-11).
The epic poem Beowulf translated by Heaney is a quest story as the protagonist Beowulf is guided through the five steps of a quest to eternal life.
Superman, Spiderman, and Batman are heroes! They possess the two traits that are needed in western civilization to be considered a hero: wisdom and fortitude. These modern heroes have wisdom and fortitude. Did Beowulf possess these traits? Beowulf shows he is a hero through both his wisdom and fortitude throughout his adventures. Beowulf is a great hero because he possesses both wisdom and fortitude.
A hero not only needs to be physically outstanding, but he also needs to have integrity, moral values and needs to act without thinking in his own benefit. Beowulf has many characteristics of a hero but he also has some defects that make me think that he wouldn’t be considered a hero in today´s world. A hero concept evolves with a culture, Beowulf has many things that the Anglo-Saxons viewed as heroism but he misses many things that are important for a modern hero.
It is common opinion that Beowulf was written by a Christian poet. This was probably true because at the time when it was written, most of the few people who knew how to read and write were in the clergy. There are various references within the poem to elements of the Christian religion. However, the story is about Pagan people and certain aspects of their culture are even glorified. The ambiguity of Beowulf’s religious content has caused confusion as to what significance religion had in inspiring the author and in what manner the author meant to inspire or influence his audience. I do not think that Beowulf is a Christian allegory because Beowulf had very little in common with the Biblical figure of Jesus Christ. I think that religion was not the primary thematic concern of the writer. Although there are discrepancies between the two styles of thinking, Beowulf seems to praise values which were considered moral and good among all humanity, both Christian and Pagan.
Beowulf risks his life for his people. He was the apitamy of great kings and was dedicated to his country and people. His promise to the people and his devotion, generosity and kindness are the reasons he is Hrothgar’s ideal leader.
Beowulf is a good example of a courageous and strong hero. He shows all of
Beowulf, one of the most loved epic poems of all time and the most recognizable story in classic British literature, is about a young hero who saves the lives of a whole kingdom. First told by an unknown Christian monk, the story of this epic hero has been retold countless times by harpists-bards in communal halls during the night. Then, in 700 A.D the first recorded manuscript of Beowulf was written down. Compared to other famous epics like the Iliad or the Odyssey that both have nearly 15,000 lines, Beowulf is relatively short, only having approximately 3,200 lines. The tale of Beowulf takes the readers on a roller coaster ride filled with monsters and god fashioned weapons, legends and fights with terrifying dragons, christian and pagan beliefs, and in the end our hero conquers it all. The unknown author of Beowulf succeeds in showing the opposite sides of Christian
Beowulf displayed great courage and honor throughout his journeys and battles; he was an epic hero. An epic hero is a person who is viewed as larger than life and possesses values of a certain society. From the time of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel to his brawl against the dragon, he has showed everyone what being an honorable hero looks like. His heroism is revealed through both youth as a young warrior and wisdom as a reliable king. He never backed down and didn’t give up when situations were tough. Beowulf had obligations to fulfill and went about every aspect of his life with courage and strength. He cared for his people and was willing to take on anyone that threatened them or his kingdom. He sincerely was the hero of his time.
Word has traveled across the seas to Geatland of a great disturbance in Heorot. A threatening creature has befallen on Hrothgar, King of the Danes, and his people. In no time, a Geat by the name of Beowulf arrives at Heorot. However, why would one man, an unpopular man at that, not known of possessing any strength or talent, travel a great distance to offer his services to the Danes? Textual evidence provides that Beowulf, although he proves himself brave and strong, expresses his ego through boasting of his epic deeds, illuminating on his strength and wit. In addition to feeding his ego, it can be proved that Beowulf is out to make a legend of himself since he comes from a broken lineage, and in the time of the Danes and Geats, lineage was vital. Simply, Beowulf comes to Heorot for the purpose of personal gains and not to help Hrothgar and his people.
In the story of Beowulf, there are many ways that Beowulf’s presents and shows that he is indeed a hero. Some of his hero like characteristics are that he is loyal, he has a lot of bravery, and the whiling to risk and sacrifice
Beowulf possesses the fundamental qualities of a hero. He has Bravery beyond compare, super human strength, and loyalty to sacrifice. The epic hero often battles to help people, putting aside fear in trade for his faith in God. Beowulf is very aware of his strength and power which enables him to effectively help people who can not help themselves. His heroic qualities were bravery, loyalty, wisdom and physical strength.
To be considered and epic, a piece of literature must exhibit quite a few specific, literary techniques. Some of the main criteria points include being a long, narrative poem, having an epic hero, and containing rhythm, alliteration, and imagery. Beowulf can be considered an epic because it contains all of this criteria.